I hold dual citizenship - Greek and American. Am I eligible to apply for a Fulbright grant?
No. However, Greek citizens who hold dual citizenship with a country other than the United States are eligible to apply.
I do not hold Greek citizenship but I have graduated from a Greek university. Am I eligible to apply for a Fulbright grant?
No. You will need to apply to the Fulbright Foundation in the country of your citizenship.
Under which visa category do persons participate in the Fulbright program?
All Fulbright grantees are required by the U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board to travel on exchange visitor "J-1" visas. It is a condition of the visa that, after completion of the program, all scholarship recipients must return to Greece and reside in Greece for two years before being eligible to immigrate to, or apply for permanent residence or a work permit in the United States. Please visit the ECA J1 website for more info: http://j1visa.state.gov
Can the award be postponed until the following year?
Fulbright awards cannot be deferred to the following academic year. Candidates are obliged to resubmit an application for the scholarship.
Is a person currently studying or conducting research in the United States eligible for a Fulbright grant?
No. Scholars who have already begun their research or teaching activities or who have been physically present in the United States on a J-1 visa for more than 6 of the 12 months preceding the start date of their Fulbright grant are not eligible to apply.
Will receipt of my application and letters of recommendation be acknowledged?
Applicants should check with the Foundation to ensure that all documentation regarding their application has been received.
I have been awarded another grant(s) to study/conduct research in the United States. Am I eligible to apply for a Fulbright grant?
Yes, recipients of other grants are eligible for Fulbright grants. Applicants, however, should check with other foundations or grant sources to learn if any restrictions exist.
Who is on the Fulbright Selection Committee?
The Fulbright Selection Committee comprises of at least four Greek and U.S. experts in the fields of study of the pool of applicants. Committee members are drawn from the Fulbright Foundation Board of Directors, senior academics and accomplished professionals, U.S. Embassy representatives, and Fulbright alumni. The Executive Director of the Fulbright Program in Greece and the Greek Program Coordinator participate in the committee as non-voting members.
How are applicants informed of their nomination status?
Applicants receive an email notification that will either nominate them as a primary or alternate candidate, or that will inform them of their non-selection. A primary candidate can be certain of his/her award and the amount plus benefits will be stipulated in the notification email. The candidate should acknowledge receipt by email and notify whether they accept or reject the terms of the award. An alternate candidate remains on standby until further notification. She/he will be contacted again, usually just after the Easter holidays, following an overall review of the number of scholarships and the available budget for that specific academic year. The Fulbright Foundation may or may not come back with an alternative grant proposal (for instance a partial grant for students, a stipend and/or travel grant for scholars). The candidate should acknowledge receipt by email and notify whether they accept or reject the terms of the award. Alternate candidates who decide that they would rather prefer to reapply in the following academic year do not receive extra credits because of their previous nomination. Due to the large number of applications, only a limited number of candidates will be nominated. Non-selected candidates will not be considered for any grant but they are welcome to reapply in the following year. Non-selected candidates may take advantage of the free advising and counseling services on academic issues at the Fulbright Foundation including information on alternate sources of funding.
Can you tell me why I was not selected?
No, the Foundation respects the anonymity of its selection committee members and the privacy of their decisions. Each year the number of well-qualified applicants exceeds the number of grants available. Final selection and the procedures to achieve this selection are the responsibility of the Fulbright Selection Committee and the Board of Directors of the U.S. Educational Foundation in Greece.
To what disciplines and projects does the Fulbright Foundation offer scholarships?
The Foundation offers scholarships in a variety of disciplines and supports many different research and art projects. To check out a list of scholarships awarded in previous years please refer to Fulbright E-News or the Alumni link.
What kind of expenses should I anticipate?
Usually four types of expenses are considered: 1. any fees the university might charge you (tuition, enrollment fees, course fees ...) 2. the projected monthly living expenses depending on where you will reside 3. any additional insurance cost 4. living expenses for dependents contingent on your study/research location. The Greek Program Coordinator can help you devise an initial budget. Any amount above your received grants/scholarships/university financial aid programs will need to be covered by personal funding and proven before your visa can be issued.
What cover does the limited health and accident insurance provide?
All Fulbright grantees are automatically covered by ASPE, the United States Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' Accident Sickness Program for Exchanges. Its scope is rather limited - it's mainly for emergency medical care - so participants should plan on getting their health care needs in order before departing. (In other words, your grant period is not the ideal time to plan on having routine dental and doctor's visits.) Participants should bring their eyeglasses and prescription medications with them (although the program can fill prescriptions if needed on an emergency basis). ASPE does not cover pre-existing conditions. ASPE also requires minimal co-payments. You can find more information on ASPE on the Seven Corners website.
Visiting Scholars
How many Fulbright grants are awarded each year to Greek visiting scholars?
About 8 partial grants are offered annually to Greek visiting scholars. The number of grants depends on the funding the Foundation receives each year.
I have studied previously in the United States. Am I eligible to participate in the research scholar program?
Yes, but preference is given to applicants without such experience.
I've submitted an application for a research grant and I plan to visit two institutions in the United States. I've only received one affiliation letter and am waiting for the second. Will this put my application in jeopardy?
No, as long as there is an "informal" indication (for instance, an e-mail to the Foundation) showing that the invitation is in good standing and that the official letter of invitation will be mailed soon.
Can I divide my grant period?
No, your grant period can take place at a maximum of two U.S. affiliation and only for a continous period.
I just finished my Ph.D. program. Can I apply for a Fulbright research grant?
Only if you have secured an academic or research position at a Greek institution of higher education or research center.
I am a qualified medical doctor. Can I apply for a research grant?
Yes, but only if your project involves research and not internships or residencies. You and your host will be asked to sign a Medical Memo (Guiding Principles for the Medical and Clinical Fields).
What does the evaluation involve?
The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program relies on U.S. based experts across the eligible program disciplines to serve as peer reviewers in order to identify the most qualified applicants for appointment to the Visiting Scholar Roster. The Fulbright Foundation is responsible for coordinating and conducting the initial screening of Fulbright applications through the peer review process, a hallmark of the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program that assures that applicants will be evaluated on academic, scholarly, and professional criteria. Peer review committee members play an integral role and are tasked with the following:
- To consider applications in the context of the basic objectives of the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program.
- To assess the appropriateness of the applicant's background, experience and achievements for a short-term international exchange opportunity.
- To consider the expected benefits of the applicant's ability to promote mutual understanding, to benefit host countries and, upon the grantee's return to Greece, to benefit home institutions and/or networks of professional colleagues.
In collaboration with institutions of higher education and their senior academic faculty members, professional associations, and Fulbright alumni, the Fulbright Foundation develops review committees that represent academia's disciplinary, geographic, and institutional diversity.
Evaluations and recommendations of the committee are put before the Fulbright Board of Directors for approval and final nomination. At the end of the review process, candidates are informed in writing of their nomination status by e-mail notification from the Executive Director of the Foundation.
Visiting Research Students
How many Fulbright grants are awarded each year to Greek visiting research students?
About 5 partial grants are offered annually to Greek visiting research students and an additional 5 grants in partnership with the State Scholarships Foundation- I.K.Y.
I've submitted an application for a research grant and I plan to visit two institutions in the United States. I've only received one affiliation letter and am waiting for the second. Will this put my application in jeopardy?
No, as long as there is an informal indication (for instance, an e-mail to the Foundation) showing that the invitation is in good standing and that the official letter of invitation will be mailed soon.
My research is in the field of the Medical Sciences. Can I apply for a research grant?
Yes, but only if your project involves research and not internships or residencies. You and your host will be asked to sign a Medical Memo (No Patient Contact Letter).
What does the evaluation involve?
The Selection Committee will be asked:
- To consider applications in the context of the basic objectives of the Fulbright Visiting Research Student Program.
- To assess the appropriateness of the applicant's background, experience and achievements for a short-term international exchange opportunity.
- To consider the expected benefits of the applicant's ability to promote mutual understanding, to benefit host countries and, upon the grantee's return to Greece, to benefit home institutions.
I am a Greek citizen but I hold a Bachelor's degree from a non-Greek university. Am I eligible to apply for a Fulbright grant?
No. Presently, the awards are geared towards graduates of Greek universities and polytechnic schools so as to create opportunities for students who have not yet had educational experience outside Greece.
What does the Fulbright grant include?
The Fulbright grant provides a monthly maintenance allowance for the duration of the grant period, roundtrip airfare, and limited health and accident insurance. The amount of this allowance depends on the location and is based on the official Monthly Maintenance Rates as published by the U.S. Department of State for each region. The current monthly maintenance allowance does not cover the cost of living in the most expensive cities and the grantee will need provide additonal financial evidence.
How should I decide on the length of my grant period?
Visiting research students may propose a grant period from 4 to 6 months. The length of your grant period depends on the amount of time needed to complete your research project and the timeline you submitted in your application. This in turn also depends on the host institution’s expectations. The I.K.Y. Fulbright Partnership Awards is for 6 months only.
I am a visiting research student and I have been awarded a Fulbright grant for 4 months. May I stay longer than four months in the United States?
No, once in the U.S. extensions are only granted for reasons beyond the grantee’s power. You will have to decide on your final grant period and length before visa issuance.
What kind of affiliation should I be seeking?
At Ph.D. level, your research is believed to be quite specific so you will need to seek an affiliation that can offer you the respective resources, academic guidance, equipment, archives, etc. You may want to seek advice from your supervisor or supervising committee or refer to peer review journals, publications, etc.
Graduate Students
I am a Greek citizen but I hold a Bachelor's degree from a non-Greek university. Am I eligible to apply for a Fulbright grant?
No. Presently, the awards are geared towards graduates of Greek universities and polytechnic schools so as to create opportunities for students who have not yet had educational experience outside Greece.
How many Fulbright grants are awarded each year to Greek graduate students?
Up to 5 partial grants are offered annually to Greek graduate students. The number of grants depends on the funding the Foundation receives each year.
What does the Fulbright grant include?
The Fulbright grant is partial grant that provides a maximum allowance of up to $20,000 (towards tuition and/or living expenses) for the first year only, roundtrip airfare, and limited health and accident insurance. The amount awarded depends on the Fulbright committee's recommendation.
Can a recipient pursue a medical degree with a Fulbright grant?
Candidates who wish to pursue studies as medical students are not eligible to apply.
I have not yet been accepted at a U.S. university. May I still apply?
Yes. Most applicants have not been accepted at universities at the time they apply for a Fulbright grant, but generally they have already submitted their applications to U.S. universities. If you are interviewed and are successful, you will be offered a grant provided you are also accepted at an accredited institution in the United States.
Artists
How many Fulbright grants are offered to Greek artists each year?
Up to 2 partial grants are offered annually to Greek artists. The number of grants depends on the funding the Foundation receives each year.
I am an artist who wishes to pursue graduate studies in the United States. Am I eligible to participate in the Artists program?
No. The Artists program is a non-degree program designed especially for candidates who wish to pursue only training and observation in their field. If you wish to pursue graduate studies, you should apply to the Graduate program, provided you fulfill all the eligibility requirements.
I am an artist and I have been awarded a Fulbright grant for 6 months. May I stay longer than six months in the United States?
Yes, but you will have to provide sufficient proof that you have the financial means to support your extra stay in the United States. However, once in the U.S. extensions are only granted for reasons beyond the grantee’s power. You will have to decide on your final grant period and length before visa issuance.
What kind of affiliation should I be seeking?
Artists are encouraged to seek U.S. affiliation well in advance of their registration. Affiliation for a non-degree program should be established with a U.S. institution or organization that offers courses, workshops, seminars, studio practice, and/or research opportunities. Academic programs leading to a Professional Diploma or Certificate are acceptable if they do not exceed one academic year (9 months).
Fulbright Distinguished Teachers
Is this program right for you?
If you are currently a full-time primary or secondary educator, you are eligible to apply to the program. This includes classroom teachers, guidance counselors, curriculum specialists, library media specialists, special education coordinators, administrators, and others who spend at least half of their time interacting with students. Eligibility criteria also include three to five years of full-time teaching experience or working with students in another capacity appropriate to their professional role, and the ability to travel to the United States for four months.
Can I select the host university?
No. This is a program of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Cultural and Educational Affairs (ECA), administered by IREX, and the program organizers will decide on the placement of each participant at collaborating U.S. universities. Eache year, about three universities are selected to host the program.
How do I secure leave from school?
At application stage, your supervisor (director of the school) will need to complete the Institutional Support and Reference Form to confirm that the school is behind your decision to apply. The Leave Approval Form can be submitted blank. Once your have been nominated as a finalist by the U.S. program organizers, Fulbright will provide you with an official grant letter for the Administrative Region who will need to approve your leave.
What selection stages may I expect?
Following the submission of your application and a first review, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. The Selection Committee will nominate a number of candidates as finalists and their applications, with the comments of the Selection Committee, will be further shared with ECA/IREX. Final selections will be announced at the beginning of December. Finalists will be informed of their status with the request to seek leave approval for departure the following August.
Will I be able to take time off?
Academic programs are very intensive and full participation is expected. However, you will follow the academic schedule and will have weekends, spring break and other holidays for personal time.
Secondary Educators
What is ASPE, and what does it cover?
ASPE, the Bureau's Accident Sickness Program for Exchanges, is the same program that provides emergency coverage for Fulbright students and scholars (in fact, for all of our ECA exchanges). Its scope is rather limited - it's mainly for emergency medical care - so participants should plan on getting their health care needs in order before departing. (In other words, the 5 weeks on program is not the time to plan on having routine dental and doctor's visits.) Participants should bring their eyeglasses and prescription medications with them (although the program can fill prescriptions if needed on an emergency basis). ASPE does not cover pre-existing conditions. If students need to see a medical professional during the course of the program, the host university will arrange for the visit and each university has budgeted for co-payments. You can find more information on ASPE on the Seven Corners website.
What happens in the event of an emergency?
The on-campus coordinator will contact directly the program organizer immediately in the event of an emergency. The campus coordinator will also reach out to the emergency contact (family member or other) that the participant has identified in pre-departure communications.
What about the two-year home residency requirement?
As with all Fulbrighters, participants in the SUSI program travel to the U.S. on J-1 visas and are subject to the two-year home residency requirement before applying for a visa to work or emigrate from Greece to the United States. Participants may apply for further additional ECA and Fulbright programs in the U.S. without completing the two-year requirement although, as with all visa applications, at no point is there a guarantee of a visa. The U.S. Embassy's consular affairs officers have the authority to approve or deny any application.
Participants can find more information about the visa here: http://j1visa.state.gov.
What degree of English proficiency should a nominee have?
All participants must be fully proficient in English; throughout the Institute they will need to fully understand lectures, actively participate in discussions, and read and write assignments in English.
Can a nominee who is a dual citizen (U.S. and country of origin) participate in Study of the U.S. Institutes?
No. U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) are NOT eligible to participate in this program.
